Lott: "He's a Cop, He'll Come Back."

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By
Crandall Sims

Story Created:
Apr 23, 2013 at 6:39 PM EDT

Story Updated:
Apr 24, 2013 at 9:19 AM EDT

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) -- Monday Columbia Police Chief Randy Scott fought back tears while talking about the death of Deputy Keith Cannon, who served the Richland County Sheriff's Department from October 2003 - March 2005.

Lott was Sheriff when Cannon served, he still remembers the day he was killed.

"He had been to a service that morning recognizing law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. He called his mom and his fiancee when it was over with and said, " I just wanted to tell you I love you." Then a few hours later, he was killed in the accident," says Lott

Deputy Cannon was just 25 years old but even today, his service and dedication live on in the hearts of fellow officers.

While giving his tearful speech Monday afternoon, Scott found support for Sheriff Lott.

"We're very close, I guess I consider him one of my children too and as a parent you have to be there for your child in the good and the bad times," says Sheriff Lott

Lott says his former second-in-command-turned-police chief's decision to resign is one he supports.

"Your career is very important, but it can't be first," says Lott

He also says for law enforcement PTSD, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, is real.

"A lot of law enforcement officers have PTSD, but it's not a career killer. He's a cop, he'll come back once he gets everything under control and straightened out," says Lott

Lott also says Scott always have a place at the Richland County Sheriff's Department.